The Devils Lake City Commission met for a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16. After approving the minutes and agenda, the commission voted unanimously to release quarter 4 funds to Forward Devils Lake. A bid was opened and later accepted for Butler Machinery for the purchase of a new snowplow for $40,525. This plow may not arrive in time for this winter but will be in place for winter in 2024-2025. Commissioner portfolios brought up the question of graffiti on public buildings; the police department and city offices are reviewing what it would take to get broader camera coverage of popular vandalism areas.
Updates from City Attorney Jack Yunker included a request for a joint meeting between the city, Ramsey County, and the Law Enforcement Center board and attorney to finalize a joint powers agreement that will likely not happen until next month, since the LEC is in the process of doing a title review of the facility. Second notices have been distributed for trash on properties, and the next step if these notices are not acted upon is litigation. Mayor Jim Moe and City Administrator Spencer Halvorson had the opportunity to meet with Senator John Hoeven recently to discuss the state of the hospital in Devils Lake. They toured the facility and met with some CHI leadership, and all agreed that action needs to be taken. Another meeting will be scheduled to finalize stakeholders in this process.
Brenda Bergsrud, the Director of Midstate Volunteer Program/Amachi, was present to give an update on program activities. She explained the importance of having a strong volunteer organization in place specifically for student and retirement populations. The commission voted to approve rent assistance for Midstate Volunteer Program with a unanimous roll call vote. The commission then approved several measures, including a pay estimate for water main replacements ($266,409.60), a resolution to vacate property set aside for public use, urban area boundary changes, and special assessments of curb, gutter, and sidewalk, parking, and other miscellaneous specials. The commission also voted to approve the purchase of a server replacement for City Offices for $76,306.59. Second ordinances were read and approved regarding the purchasing of equipment and snow removal and maintenance. Finally, Administrator Halvorson gave an update on quarter 3 sales tax and utility billing before the commission unanimously agreed to pay the list of bills.
Past meeting minutes and future meeting agendas can be found at dvlnd.com.
